Photo by Ingibjörg Friðriksdóttir
Drive from hotel
1.5 hour
Accessability
4×4 Car
Season
All
Mýrdalsjökull is a beautiful glacier in south Iceland just to the north of Vík. It is even more expansive that its westerly neighbor Eyjafjallajökul. In fact, Mýrdalsjökull’s peak reaches up to 1493 m (4899 ft) and the glacier itself covers nearly 600 square kilometers (232 square miles). You can book a variety of fun day tours to experience the glacier – from snowmobiling to ice climbing and even ice cave tours. Contact the Hotel Rangá reception today to book your tour of Mýrdalsjökull. It is interesting to note that the Katla volcano is located inside the Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Katla is an active volcano and erupts on average every 40 – 60 years. Katla’s last eruption was in 1918, so she is likely getting ready to erupt. Not to worry – Icelandic volcanoes are constantly monitored. You can always check the Icelandic meteorological website to learn about the most recent volcanic activity in Iceland.
FAQ about Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Katla Volcano
On our social media channels we frequently post tips, tricks & fun facts about Iceland with the hashtag #knowIceland.
Yes, it is possible to drive to Sólheimajökull – one of Mýrdalsjökull’s glacial outlets. While driving the south coast between the village of Vík and the Skógafoss waterfall there is a turnoff on road 221. This road takes you to the Sólheimajökull glacier. You can follow a path to a lookout over the glacier. Please do not attempt to walk on the glacier without a local guide.
Distances from Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and Katla Volcano
On our social media channels we frequently post tips, tricks & fun facts about Iceland with the hashtag #knowIceland.
It depends on which part of Mýrdalsjökull you wish to visit. If you are planning on visiting the Sólheimajökull glacial outlet, it takes approximately 1 hour to drive to the car park from Hotel Rangá. If you are planning on visiting the Kötlujökull glacial outlet for ice climbing or ice caving tours it takes a bit longer. You will drive from Hotel Rangá to Vík and meet up with your local tour guide. Then, you will access the Kötlujökull glacial outlet via Super Jeep. It should take approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach the glacial outlet from Hotel Rangá.
The Sólheimajökull glacial outlet is approximately 2 hours from Reykjavík. The Kötlujökull glacial outlet is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. It must be noted that you can only access the Kötlujökull glacial outlet with a local tour guide via Super Jeeps.
